Quick Summary
The new Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era balance patch is currently available through Steam's public test branch. You do not need a separate key or invitation — simply switch your game version to public-test-branch in Steam.
How to Play the Olden Era Beta Patch
Joining the beta takes only a few steps:
- Open Steam and find Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era in your Library.
- Right-click the game and select Properties.
- Open Game Versions & Betas.
- Select
public-test-branch. - Wait for Steam to download the beta update.
- Launch Olden Era normally.
If the test branch does not appear, restart Steam and check the menu again.
How to Return to the Normal Version
Open the same Game Versions & Betas menu and select Default Public Version.
Steam will download the live version again and you can continue playing normally.
What Happens to Your Saves?
Beta saves are separated from the main version.
Your existing saves may appear to disappear after switching to the beta, but they are not deleted. They will become available again when you return to the normal game version.
The beta uses separate saves_beta and campSaving_beta folders, and Steam Cloud saves are disabled during the test.
Can You Play Multiplayer in the Beta?
Yes, but beta players use a separate multiplayer environment.
Everyone in the same multiplayer game needs to be running the same version, so a player using the beta cannot play with someone who remains on the normal live build.
Is the Beta Patch the Final Version?
No.
The developers expect testing to continue for several weeks and may adjust or revert changes based on the results. The release date for the final version has not been announced yet.
For an overview of the new damage formula, balance changes, AI improvements, and new creatures, read our Olden Era Beta Patch Overview.